Kurt Vile and The Violators with special guests EMA

Kurt Vile and The Violators

Kurt Vile is a former stoner with a perpetual grin and a severe cackle. So severe, in fact, the first time you hear it, you’ll be convinced he’s putting you on. He isn’t. Chances are you won’t be able to induce the cackle out of him. You’ll get a giggle, maybe, but when (there’s no “if” here) he explodes into a fit of overwhelming joy, draws back his lips, exposes his teeth, looks skyward and lets forth his infectious, guttural guffaw, its source will more often than not be something he said himself. Example: Vile has worked for Philadelphia Brewing Company (formerly Yards) for five years. I ask him what he does there. His answer is straightforward, matter of fact. “I drive a forklift.” And then, “That’s what my song ‘Space Forklift’ is about. No, not really.” Bhwhahahaha. It’s adorable. “Forklift” is the third track from Vile’s new album Constant Hitmaker on DIY stalwart Gulcher Records. Vile’s recorded countless CD-R demos over the years, becoming a home-recording guru in the process, but Hitmaker is his first proper solo release on a label, and it’s impressive. Beautiful, clever, endearing, genius—the songs on it are both instantly catchy and atmospheric. Imagine the pop sensibilities of “The Needle and the Damage Done”-era Neil Young sung in the voice of an underage Lou Reed over music supplied by Suicide. A terrible description, I know, but Vile’s music is stupefying, psychedelic folk that’s too much of both to be either. Discuss.